SEND Manager at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading

The SEND Manager is accountable for leading the administrative aspects of SEND provision and supporting the Senior SEND Manager in maintaining high-quality provision for students with SEND.
The role ensures accurate processes, effective coordination, compliant statutory administration and clear communication so that colleagues can plan effectively and students with SEND receive coordinated support.
The postholder supports positive outcomes and wellbeing for learners by maintaining accurate SEND information, coordinating statutory and non-statutory SEND processes, supporting communication with families and external agencies, and contributing to effective provision across the school and Trust Schools where required.
As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure accurate and timely communication of student needs, SEND information and support strategies so colleagues can plan effectively for individual learners.
• Lead SEND administrative coordination so that accurate, compliant and timely processes support high-quality outcomes for students with SEND.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date SEND records and systems, ensuring information is shared appropriately to support continuity, safeguarding and effective provision.
• Coordinate statutory and non-statutory SEND processes, including annual reviews, Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment administration, external referrals, documentation and follow-up actions.
• Review SEN Support Plan targets tri-yearly, collate data, share outcomes with parents and carers, and track local authority correspondence including EHCP applications and funding requests.
• Act as the first point of contact for SEND queries, providing clear and timely responses to colleagues, families and external professionals.
• Promote effective collaboration with colleagues, families and external agencies to support coordinated provision for students with SEND.
• Coordinate external referrals, Educational Psychologist and agency visits, including report proofreading, liaison with professionals and management of follow-up actions.
• Maintain the SEND register, provision map and student information so that provision is logged effectively and records remain accurate.
• Support the Senior SEND Manager in maintaining oversight of SEND provision, contributing to consistent practice, effective communication and continuous improvement.
• Support Access Arrangements administration, including JCQ compliance, testing records, consent, approvals, staff feedback and queries from Post-16 settings.
• Undertake wider SEND administrative tasks, including SEN and medical laptops, account set-ups for SEND provisions, communications, room bookings, SEND bulletins and meetings for the Senior SEND Manager and SENCo where required.

Further details of responsibilities and requirements can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Has Level 2 or equivalent in English and maths.
• Has a relevant qualification or equivalent experience in SEND, education or administration.
• Is committed to further professional development relevant to SEND.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, students, parents or carers and external professionals.
• Can communicate SEND-related information clearly and sensitively to a range of stakeholders.
• Has strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate reports, correspondence and documentation.
• Has strong organisational skills and can manage and prioritise a varied workload.
• Can coordinate multiple processes and timelines, including reviews, referrals and meetings, so that SEND processes are completed accurately and on time.
• Can maintain accurate, detailed and confidential records in line with data protection requirements, with strong attention to detail when handling sensitive information and documentation.
• Has knowledge of SEND processes, provision and inclusive practice, with sensitivity to the needs of students with SEND and a commitment to promoting their wellbeing and inclusion.
• Understands child development and learning processes.
• Can use ICT effectively to manage data, records and communication, including systems for tracking student information and provision mapping.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team, using discretion, initiative, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Has a flexible, calm, caring and positive approach, with good listening skills and sensitivity to students’ needs.
• May also have training in relevant learning strategies, such as literacy strategy, or specialist skills or training in a curriculum or learning area such as EAL, speech and language or SEMH.
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality, professional conduct and working in accordance with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, equal opportunities and data protection.

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 850 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise - it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust here on our website.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11-16 secondary school in an urban context which is as committed to the welfare of students and staff as it is to our high-quality education. Staff wellbeing is a key focus of the school.  Staff voice is very important to us in determining both our change management plans and our ongoing wellbeing objectives.  Our school benefits from excellent, modern facilities and teaching spaces and we are very proud of our vibrant, diverse and engaging students who work hard and have high aspirations. 

BENEFITS

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

·       Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

·       Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

·       ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

·       Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

·       Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

·       Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

·       Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

·       Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

·       Mental Health First Aid support.

·       Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

·       Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.